Leading North American marketer of fresh berries adds grapes to the mix

January 04, 2013

Dave’s Specialty Imports, one of the larger importers of fresh blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries in North America, added grapes to its Chilean import program.

The family-run company imports from Argentina, Chile, Guatemala and Mexico, and has primarily focused on the berry category during the last 20 years of business.

“We’ve had a great domestic season, but we always look forward to imports come fall,” Leslie Simmons, the owner’s granddaughter and the company’s marketing manager, said in a press release. “We had a good turnout at Fresh Summit and it really helps to kick off the season. Grapes will definitely be a highlight for us, there are so many strong products coming out of Chile right now.”

The Florida-based business expects to import several varieties, including red seedless Flames, Thompson seedless and red Globes, with product beginning to arrive in early December.

“We expect to have sizeable increases in our berry program, especially with our blueberries from Chile,” Mike Bowe, vice president of Dave’s, said in the press release. “But we are always interested in new products that can complement and strengthen our current program. Grapes will be a great fit.”

The company plans to market the grapes, along with its regular berry program, directly to retail and wholesale chains.